Sarasota County libraries announce ‘One Book’ program for 2016

John D. MacDonald’s works to be the focus

John D. MacDonald. Image from Wikipedia
John D. MacDonald. Image from Wikipedia

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources has announced that in 2016, the popular “One Book” program will focus on the works of John D. MacDonald, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.

MacDonald, well-known for his Travis McGee crime thriller series, lived and worked in Sarasota from 1952 until his death in 1986, a county news release points out. “He was a prolific novelist and short-story writer, completing 78 books across genres including thrillers and science fiction,” the release adds. MacDonald’s novel The Executioners was adapted into film versions titled Cape Fear.

“MacDonald had significant impact on a host of modern writers, including Florida mystery novelists Randy Wayne White, James Hall, Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey, who credit [the] Travis McGee series as a key influence on their careers,” the release continues. Stephen King and Kurt Vonnegut also have repeatedly praised MacDonald’s work,” the release notes, “with Vonnegut likening MacDonald’s novels to sacred treasures that will be valued throughout the ages.”

“This is an exciting time to not only be a MacDonald fan, but a fan of classic American literature,” said county Libraries and Historical Resources Director Sarabeth Kalajian in the release. “We honor John D. MacDonald with One Book, and we’re excited to introduce him to a whole new generation of readers.”

One Book is partnering with the Friends of the Selby Public Library Tribute Committee, spearheaded by author John Jakes and Chairman Kenney DeCamp, to recognize MacDonald’s work, the release continues. This seven-month celebration will include events at the county’s public libraries and in other locations throughout the community, the release says. One Book will conclude on July 23 with a cake-cutting celebration at the Selby Public Library in downtown Sarasota; that is the day before what would have been MacDonald’s 100th birthday, the release adds.

More detailed programming information will be posted at www.onebooksarasota.com.